As a Targeting Officer for the CIA, you will identify the people, relationships, and organizations having access to the information needed to address the most critical US foreign intelligence requirements and find opportunities to disrupt terrorist attacks, illegal arms trade, drug networks, cyber threats, and counterintelligence threats.

Targeting Officers are integral to the planning and implementation of Directorate of Operations (DO) foreign intelligence collection, counterintelligence, and covert action operations. You will combine specialized training, advanced analytic skills, the most sophisticated analytic tools available, and in-depth knowledge and experience in DO operational tradecraft to identify new opportunities for DO operational activity and to enhance ongoing operations.

Many Targeting Officers spend much of their career serving in the Washington, DC area with opportunities for overseas travel. Opportunities for Targeting Officers to serve multi-year postings overseas exist, but these positions are competitive.

All DO officers are hired at an entry level and train as they are expected to work - as one team. DO officers begin their careers spending one to two years learning the foundations of clandestine operational tradecraft via classroom training, practical exercises, and on-the-job experience gained through a series of interim assignments. Following successful completion of the foundational training, each DO officer will transition into advanced training activity to prepare them to serve effectively in their respective career occupational specialty.

Offices of the CIA – Directorate of Operations

The Directorate of Operations (DO) strengthens national security and foreign policy objectives through the clandestine collection of human intelligence (HUMINT), and by conducting covert action as directed by the President. Learn more about the Directorate of Operations.

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Life at CIA

In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, the CIA offers exciting career opportunities and a dynamic environment. We're on the forefront of world-altering events – as they happen. So working here isn't just a job, it's a mindset and a lifestyle.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (applicants within one year of earning a four-year degree will be considered); there is no preferred major or program of study (degrees from foreign academic institutions are accepted, but you are responsible for obtaining and providing CIA with a credential evaluation from an accredited firm confirming that the foreign degree is the equivalent of a BA/BS and/or MA/MS degree conferred by a US college or university)

GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale is preferred

Personal integrity

Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)

Action- and results-oriented

Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently

Flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to the mission of the CIA and the Directorate of Operations

Ability to shift focus quickly, work on multiple tasks concurrently, and excel in high-pressure/high-impact situations

Ability to learn and apply the latest technologies

All applicants must successfully complete:

A thorough medical and psychological exam

A polygraph interview

A comprehensive background investigation

To be considered suitable for Agency employment, applicants must generally not have used illegal drugs within the last 12 months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to 12 months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing.

If you are ready to apply, add this position to your job cart. You can add up to four (4) positions. Job cart selections will only be retained during this site visit, so be sure to click "Apply Now" before closing the browser window. After clicking "Apply Now" you will be taken to the application account creation page. The positions will appear in the cart once you have created an account.

DO NOT submit multiple applications; this will only slow the review of your application and delay processing. Please read the Application Instructions carefully before you begin the online application process.

Important application instructions for this position:

The following items must be attached to your on-line application (PDF format preferred):

Unofficial transcripts for all degrees

Cover letter: please describe your knowledge, skills, abilities, and aspirations not evident from your resume, that make you a good candidate for the Directorate of Operations (1 page)

Qualifications Supplement - in a separate PDF attachment address the following questions:

Why does a career in public service appeal to you (1 paragraph)

Why do you wish to work for the Directorate of Operations (1 paragraph)

Other than the Directorate of Operations, what other career options are of interest to you (1 paragraph)

Describe one thing from your academic, military, or professional background that has prepared you for success in the Directorate of Operations (1 paragraph)

Complete this thought: "I do my best work when..." (1 paragraph)

Describe a time when you did not succeed, professionally or academically, and what you learned from that experience (2 paragraphs)

At the time of application, DO applicants select specific DO occupational specialties (i.e. Collection Management Officer, Staff Operations Officer, Operations Officer,Targeting Officer). Competitive applicants will continue to be asked to identify their DO occupational specialty preference(s) at various stages in the hiring process. It is not unusual for applicants to adjust their preference as they progress and learn more about the expectations and requirements of each occupational specialty.

Important Notice: Friends, family, individuals, or organizations may be interested to learn that you are seeking employment with the CIA. Their interest, however, may not be benign or in your best interest. Once you reveal your interest you lose control of that information. We ask all applicants to exercise discretion and good judgment in disclosing your interest in a position with the CIA. You will receive further guidance on this topic as you proceed through your CIA employment processing.